Cutting-Edge Company Using Asian Carp as the Basis for Its All Natural Offerings

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - December 17, 2015) - BareItAll Petfoods, a new Chicago‐based petfood company, is trying a new alternative in the fight against the Asian Carp invasion, helping to protect the Great Lakes from the invasive fish.

Asian Carp is the name given to a group of carp (black, green, grass, and silver) brought to the United States in the 1970s as a means to clean commercial ponds. They quickly multiplied throughout the Midwest, establishing their species in the Mississippi River basin and spreading to the surrounding rivers and lakes including the Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio rivers.

After discovering the damage the Asian Carp cause and its effect on the waterways near their Chicago homes, Michael Cody and Logan Honeycutt created BareItAll Petfoods as the groundbreaking new answer to this environmentally overwhelming and complex problem. They drew from their respective backgrounds in marketing, economics, and sustainability to produce the first known dog treat powered by the nutritious Asian Carp. Having a similar nutritional profile as Salmon, Asian Carp are a great source of healthy protein and Omega 3s for a pet's diet. Combining the fish with other wholesome ingredients, BareItAll Petfoods identified a productive use for Asian Carp few thought was possible.

Partnering with Shedd​ Aquarium​ in Chicago is a natural fit for BareItAll Petfoods, as both are committed to sustainability and Great Lakes conservation.

Shedd Aquarium has been on the forefront of Great Lakes conservation for years, guiding research efforts and highlighting issues, such as the Asian Carp invasion, in different exhibits across the aquarium. Shedd's Daniel P. Haerther Center for Conservation and Research has a team of researchers dedicated to studying the Great Lakes and finding ways to protect them. This includes serving as sustainable seafood advocates and eliminating of the harmful effects of Asian carp.

Shedd's commitment to the living world extends beyond just marine mammals. Since 2013, Shedd has rescued six dogs from local shelters, giving them a loving home at the aquarium. Some of the dogs join the aquarium's "One World" show, a celebration of the human connection to animals and demonstration of the "Shedd Way" of training through positive reinforcement. Shedd's training program gives the aquarium many reasons to use the BareItAll Asian carp treats.

BareItAll partners with shelters and rescue organizations like Shedd in an effort to eliminate euthanasia because of lack of funding, donating a portion of their proceeds through their BarkBack program.

BareItAll Petfoods currently offers three types of dog treats and will be expanding its offerings to include cat treats and kibbles in the near future. New commercial ideas like this and partnerships with organizations like Shedd may just save the Great Lakes after all.